Must-See Attractions in New Orleans
Audubon Zoo
Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 861-2537
Website: https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo
One of the best family attractions in New Orleans, Audubon Zoo offers a full day of exploring wildlife from around the world. Visitors can see everything from lions and giraffes to Louisiana swamp animals, including the famous white alligators.
The National WWII Museum
Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 528-1944
Website: https://www.nationalww2museum.org
A visit to New Orleans is not complete without spending time at The National WWII Museum. The exhibits bring history to life with personal stories, military vehicles, aircraft, and displays that show what soldiers and families experienced during World War II.
Jackson Square
Address: 701 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is one of the most photographed places in the city. Visitors can enjoy artists, street musicians, historic buildings, and views of the Mississippi River while taking in the atmosphere of old New Orleans.
St. Louis Cathedral
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 525-9585
Website: https://www.stlouiscathedral.org
Standing beside Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can step inside to see the beautiful interior or simply admire the historic architecture from the square.
French Quarter
Address: New Orleans, LA 70116
The French Quarter is where many visitors experience their first taste of New Orleans. Walk the historic streets, admire the colorful buildings, listen to live music, shop local stores, and discover restaurants and hidden courtyards around every corner.
French Market
Address: 1008 N. Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 636-6400
Website: https://www.frenchmarket.org
The French Market is a fun stop for visitors looking for local food, souvenirs, art, and unique New Orleans gifts. It is a great place to walk around while exploring the nearby French Quarter and riverfront.
Café du Monde
Address: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 525-4544
Website: https://shop.cafedumonde.com
No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde. Open since 1862, this famous coffee stand is a favorite stop for locals and visitors near Jackson Square.
Bourbon Street
Address: Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Bourbon Street is one of the most famous streets in America and a major part of New Orleans nightlife. During the day it offers historic buildings and restaurants, while at night it comes alive with music, entertainment, and crowds.
Preservation Hall
Address: 726 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 522-2841
Website: https://www.preservationhall.com
For a true New Orleans music experience, Preservation Hall is a special place to visit. The small, historic venue keeps traditional jazz alive with performances from some of the city’s talented musicians.
Garden District
Address: New Orleans, LA 70115
The Garden District is known for beautiful historic homes, large oak trees, and some of the city’s most impressive architecture. A walking tour is a great way to see the mansions and learn about the neighborhood’s history.
New Orleans City Park
Address: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 482-4888
Website: https://neworleanscitypark.org
City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country and a favorite place for both locals and visitors. The park features walking trails, beautiful oak trees, gardens, museums, family attractions, and plenty of room to relax.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
Address: 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 658-4100
Website: https://noma.org
Located inside City Park, NOMA offers visitors a chance to see impressive artwork from around the world. The museum is a great rainy-day activity and pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby sculpture garden.
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Address: 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 658-4100
Website: https://noma.org/sculpture-garden/
This peaceful outdoor attraction features large sculptures placed throughout beautiful gardens, walking paths, and oak trees. It is a relaxing place to enjoy art while taking a break from the busy city streets.
Audubon Aquarium
Address: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 861-2537
Website: https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium
Located along the Mississippi River, the Audubon Aquarium is a great attraction for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore exhibits featuring Gulf Coast wildlife, colorful fish, sharks, penguins, and marine life from around the world.
Audubon Insectarium
Address: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 861-2537
Website: https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/insectarium
The Audubon Insectarium offers a unique experience that is unlike most museums. Visitors can explore the world of insects, walk through a butterfly garden, and learn about creatures that are often overlooked.
Steamboat NATCHEZ
Address: 400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 569-1401
Website: https://www.steamboatnatchez.com
Take a ride back in time aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ, one of the city’s most popular riverboat experiences. Visitors can enjoy views of the Mississippi River, live jazz music, and a different perspective of New Orleans from the water.
Mardi Gras World
Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 361-7821
Website: https://www.mardigrasworld.com
Ever wonder how the giant floats in the Mardi Gras parades are made? Mardi Gras World gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the artists, designers, and incredible creations that make Carnival season famous around the world.
Vue Orleans
Address: 2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 285-3600
Website: https://vueorleans.com
Located high above the city, Vue Orleans offers some of the best views of New Orleans from its indoor and outdoor observation areas. It is a great place to see the French Quarter, Mississippi River, and city skyline from a new angle.
Historic New Orleans Collection
Address: 520 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 523-4662
Website: https://www.hnoc.org
This museum and research center is a great place to learn about the people, events, and traditions that shaped New Orleans. Visitors can explore historic buildings, exhibits, and collections that tell the story of the city.
Backstreet Cultural Museum
Address: 1531 Henriette Delille Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 522-4806
Website: https://www.backstreetmuseum.org
The Backstreet Cultural Museum highlights some of New Orleans’ most important traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, and social clubs. It offers a look into the culture and history that make the city unlike anywhere else.
The Presbytère
Address: 751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 568-6968
Website: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/presbytere
Located next to St. Louis Cathedral, The Presbytère explores two major parts of New Orleans history: Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. It is an easy stop while walking around Jackson Square and the French Quarter.
The Cabildo
Address: 701 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 568-6968
Website: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/cabildo
One of the most historic buildings in the city, The Cabildo gives visitors a chance to learn about Louisiana’s past. The museum covers important moments in history, including the Louisiana Purchase and the development of the state.
New Orleans Jazz Museum
Address: 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 568-6993
Website: https://nolajazzmuseum.org
New Orleans is known around the world as the birthplace of jazz, and this museum celebrates that history. Visitors can see historic instruments, learn about famous musicians, and discover how jazz became part of the city’s identity.
The Sazerac House
Address: 101 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 910-0100
Website: https://www.sazerachouse.com
The Sazerac House is a fun stop for visitors interested in the history of New Orleans cocktails. The interactive exhibits explain how famous drinks were created and how the city’s drinking culture became part of its personality.
St. Charles Streetcar
Address: St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA
The St. Charles Streetcar is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Uptown New Orleans. The historic green streetcars pass by old mansions, universities, restaurants, and some of the city’s most scenic streets.
Longue Vue House & Gardens
Address: 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 488-5488
Website: https://longuevue.com
Longue Vue House & Gardens offers a quieter side of New Orleans with beautiful gardens and a historic home filled with interesting architecture and design. It is a relaxing destination away from the crowds of downtown.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Address: 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 523-1357
Website: https://lcm.org
A great choice for families visiting New Orleans, the Louisiana Children’s Museum features hands-on exhibits where kids can learn while having fun. It is located in City Park, making it easy to combine with other nearby attractions.
The Fly at Audubon Park
Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Known by locals as “The Fly,” this Mississippi River overlook is one of the best spots in the city to relax and watch the sunset. It is a popular place for picnics, walking, and watching ships pass along the river.
New Canal Lighthouse
Address: 8001 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 831-7132
Website: https://lighthouse.thedockboard.org
Located along Lake Pontchartrain, the New Canal Lighthouse offers visitors a look at the area’s maritime history. The waterfront setting also makes it a nice place to enjoy views of the lake.
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Address: 7 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 483-9402
Website: https://neworleanscitypark.org
Located inside City Park, Carousel Gardens is a favorite family attraction with classic rides and one of the oldest operating carousels in the country. It is a fun place to visit, especially for families with younger children.